Keiara Bickett has been charged after her son allegedly took a gun from her bag and shot himself.
UPDATE: A mother in Indianapolis has been charged with felony neglect after her two-year-old son, Javarius Bickett, allegedly took a gun from her purse and fatally shot himself while his older sister watched. The tragic incident occurred on June 19, 2023, at a CVS parking lot located in the 2300 block of East 46th Street just before 3 PM.
According to police reports, Keiara Bickett, 28, was preparing to pick up a prescription when the horrifying accident unfolded. She had stopped to text a friend with her car still running, during which time her son moved from the back seat to the front seat beside his sister. While distracted by her phone, Ms. Bickett heard a gunshot and turned to find her son had shot himself in the head.
Emergency services were called immediately, and Javarius was rushed to Riley Hospital but tragically succumbed to his injuries. Reports indicate that his sister, aged nine, witnessed the entire ordeal, leaving a profound emotional impact on the family.
Court documents reveal that Ms. Bickett owns a 9mm Glock Model 26 Gen 5 handgun, which she typically keeps in her handbag. She stated that she usually zips her bag but believes it was unzipped on the day of the incident. Following the fatal shooting, authorities have confirmed that Ms. Bickett has lost custody of her daughter, who will now be cared for by her grandmother.
During her court appearance last Friday, a no-contact order was issued, preventing Ms. Bickett from communicating with her daughter. The court will review this decision on September 22 with input from the Indiana Department of Child Services.
This devastating case raises urgent questions about gun safety and child protection. Investigations are ongoing, and no plea information has been disclosed yet. The community is left grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event, highlighting the critical need for increased awareness around firearm safety in households.
Authorities are urging parents to take immediate precautions to secure firearms to prevent similar tragedies. As this story develops, further updates will be provided.
